WAFA India 2020 - Golden Triangle

Price

£3,199pp

Leaving on

22/02/2020

Arriving back on

06/03/2020

Location

India

Flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic

WAFA India 2020 - Golden Triangle Tour

Our 12 night, 14 day Golden Triangle tour has been designed to suit both WAFA competitors and flower fans wishing to combine a visit to this spectacular highlight of the floral calendar with an evocative introduction to the wonders of this fascinating region of Northern India.

Below is a brief overview of this programme. We would be delighted to send you the full itinerary, either as a PDF or a printed brochure.

Overview

Our programme begins in the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur, an exciting blend of busy markets, historic buildings and hidden temples, set against the majestic backdrop of Amber Fort. You will visit all the landmark sites, including Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, the pink sandstone Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and City Palace, still home to the last ruling Royal Family. Other highlights include a tour of the locations featured in the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its spin off TV series, block printing, carpet weaving and bangle making demonstrations and an early morning visit to the bustling – and fragrant – Jaipur Flower Market. Sacks filled with brilliantly coloured flower heads, aromatic spices and fresh vegetables are traded here and the air is full of the heady scent of roses, marigolds, coriander and mint.

OurJaipur itinerary also includes two full days at WAFA (we have arranged transport to and from the Digi Palace), with two additional days for you to spend as you wish. WAFA competitors will need this time for set up, but those not taking part can choose between attending the opening day, exploring the surrounding area on one of our optional tours*, or simply relaxing at the hotel.

*We offer optional tours to the Museum and Royal Garden of Jaipur, Bagru, famous for its block printing, and the village of Pushkar, home to the renowned Brahma Temple set on one of India’s most sacred lakes. (Please note, these trips carry an additional cost.)

The tour then moves on to Ranthambhore, stopping at the ancient fortified city of Fatehpur Sikri, former capital of the Mughal Empire, en route. Much of the onward journey will be made on the Jan Shatabadi Express train so that you arrive at the wonderfully ornate 4* Hotel Nahargarh in time for supper.

The next day you will be treated to an exclusive Canter jungle safari in the Ranthambhore National Park. Once part of a royal Maharaja hunting lodge, this quintessentially Rajasthani wild life park is home to predators such as tigers and leopards, as well as jackals, sloth bears, crocodiles and the common Langaur monkey. The park also plays an important role in protecting its wildlife, particularly the tigers, and the rangers are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about Ranthambhore’s commitment to conservation.

After Ranthambhore the tour moves on to Agra, home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. You will spend one night here so that you can see the Taj Mahal at sun rise.

Delhi is the final city on this tour and you will spend two nights in the country’s cosmopolitan capital, where traditional and modern sit side by side. You will visit the sites of Old Delhi, including the 17th centuryJama Masjid Mosque, the winding lanes of Chandni Chowk market, the Red Fort and Raj Ghat, site of Ghandi’s cremation, before discovering the highlights of New Delhi. These include the Presidential Palace, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys, the Mughal Garden with its famous floral carpet, India Gate Memorial, Parliament House and Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century precursor to the Taj Mahal. We have also arranged a visit to Sunder Nursery, a wonderfully peaceful green space in the busy heart of New Delhi boasting a 16th century mausoleum decorated with exquisite geometric star patterns, inscriptions and intricate, incised plaster work.

Accommodation

Jaipur – you will spend seven nights at the magnificent Heritage hotel, Alsisar Haveli. Built in 1892 as a nobleman’s town house and now run by the 8th generation of Alsisar descendants, it offers an authentic taste of the bygone regal era of Rajasthan.

Ranthambhore – you will spend two nights, with full board, at the 4* Hotel Nahargarh. Built to resemble a traditional hunting palace, it blends classic style with all luxuries of a modern hotel. The restaurant serves both local and global cuisine and there is a vast, formal Mughal garden to stroll in.

Agra – you will stay at the 4* Deluxe Clarks Shiraz, conveniently located close to the Taj Mahal. The modern guest rooms are all air-conditioned and facilities include an outdoor pool, spa and two rooftop restaurants offering wonderful views of the Taj Mahal.

Delhi – you will spend two nights at the 5* Suryaa Hotel, close to the Iskcon Temple. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and sound proofed and amenities include a spa, pool, outdoor restaurant and poolside bar.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FLIGHT UPGRADES:

If you wish to add either Premium Economy or Upper Class upgrades to your Virgin Flights you must request these at the time of booking

At booking, there is an additional deposit charge of £250pp - places are limited and we will be treating requests on a first-come-first-serve basis (if you are paying online we will contact you for the additional amount)

Final costs for upgrades will be confirmed in March 2019 when they are published, should you wish to opt out of having an upgrade you can do so at this time